Section one of this paper locates my work within the field of computer-based music. I look at my interpretation of the computer and DAW as an instrument. I attempt to answer my question ‘What constitutes an instrument’. Dissecting the instrument opened avenues within researching the fundamental elements of sound that I also discuss. Some texts referenced within this section are Sound Unbound edited by Paul D. Miller and Experimental Music: Cage and Beyond by Michael Nyman.
Section two introduces the element of chance procedures. I discuss and give examples of how chance became an integral part of my process. Intertwined within my discoveries are examples by other artists including Céleste Boursier-Mougenot and Robb Gray who also incorporated the chance element within their compositions. Some texts I refer to include Chase, Chance, and Creativity: The Lucky Art of Novelty by James H. Austin and Chance that consists of multiple articles and interviews concerning the chance element.
Section three will look at the processes and outcomes of my compositions throughout this project. I will examine how investigating sound, using the computer as an instrument, and experimenting with chance has transformed my compositional processes. I dissect selected compositions to highlight techniques used including MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), sampling, contrasting time signatures and in-studio composition. Texts including The Act of Musical Composition Studies in the Creative Process and Pleasure Beats: Rhythm and the Aesthetics of Current Electronic Music are referenced.
